Xenophoridae
The Xenophoridae are a family of medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Trochoidea. The shell of these snails is distinctive and resembles a haphazard collection of objects attached to its surface. These objects are usually fragments of other shells, pebbles, corals, or other debris that the snail has collected and glued to its own shell.
Common Names
Xenophoridae are commonly known as "Carrier Shells" or "Saddle Shells" due to their habit of carrying debris on their shells.
Characteristics
Xenophoridae possess a number of characteristics that set them apart from other gastropod families:
- Shell Shape: The shell is typically wide and flattened, with a large aperture. The outer lip of the aperture is often thickened and flared.
- Shell Decoration: The most distinctive feature of Xenophoridae is their habit of collecting and attaching foreign objects to their shells. These objects are typically glued in place using a sticky secretion produced by the snail.
- Foot: The foot is large and muscular, enabling the snail to crawl over the seabed.
- Head: The head bears two long, slender tentacles, which are used for sensing the environment.
Environment
Xenophoridae are found in a wide range of marine environments, including shallow coastal waters, coral reefs, and deep-sea habitats. They are typically found on sandy or muddy bottoms, often hiding under rocks or among seaweed.
References
For further information on Xenophoridae, consult the following resources: